Werewolf by Night (2022)

Werewolf by Night feels like Marvel snuck out after curfew and came back with a lovingly crafted, black-and-white creature feature—moody, stylish, and delightfully mean around the edges. Michael Giacchino directs with a fan’s affection for classic monster cinema, using shadow, sound, and practical effects to build an atmosphere that’s more Gothic funhouse than superhero spectacle. Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly give the mayhem a human pulse, playing their wary alliance with just enough wit and vulnerability to make the bloodletting matter. It’s brisk, inventive, and surprisingly sincere, though fair warning: this one leans into real horror vibes and some gnarly gore, so it’s not the pick for the squeamish or for younger kids.

Werewolf by Night is clearly trying to be a stylish, old-school monster movie remix inside the Marvel sandbox, and on that level it mostly works: the black-and-white vibe, creature design, and pulpy atmosphere are the main event. The catch is that it’s basically a brisk Halloween special, not a fully fleshed-out film, so the plot moves fast and the supporting hunters barely register as people before they’re gone. If you want deep character work, big lore payoffs, or a story that lingers, this may feel slight and a bit forgettable once the novelty wears off. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a short, punchy, surprisingly gory Marvel detour with a fun lead duo and a clear love for classic horror, it’s an easy watch.